Sweating does not cool the body unless the moisture is removed from the skin by _____.

Sweating is one of the body's primary mechanisms for regulating temperature. When the body overheats, sweat glands produce moisture, which is released onto the skin's surface. The cooling effect occurs when this moisture evaporates into the air. Evaporation is a process that requires heat energy; as sweat evaporates, it absorbs heat from the skin, thereby cooling the body. If the moisture remains on the skin—due to high humidity, insufficient airflow, or other factors—this evaporative cooling is hindered, and the body does not effectively cool down.

Other options do not directly contribute to the cooling effect of sweat. Blood loss can lead to other health issues rather than affecting the cooling process. Hot towels apply heat rather than facilitate cooling, and misting fans might offer some level of cooling but are not an intrinsic part of the body's thermoregulation like evaporation is. Understanding the importance of evaporation helps in recognizing the needs for effective cooling strategies in environments where heat stress may be a risk.